Spurs vs Jazz: Game One

Tony Parker had 28 points and handed out 8 assits as the San Antonio Spurs got the start they wanted as they won against eighth seed Utah. With memories of their collapse last year still lingering, the Spurs quickly dismissed any thought of an upset with a 14 point win at home. Tim Duncan also looked sprightly with 17 points, 11 rebounds and 5 assists. Boris Diaw, handed the start at center officially, had 9 points, while Stephen Jackson had 14 off the bench.

The front court for the Jazz did their job as Hayward, Millsap and Jefferson combined for 53 of the Spurs 91 points. However, the guards for the Jazz struggled mightlily, especially Devin Harris, who had just 7 points as well as 5 turnovers in his duel with fellow veteran Tony Parker. Parker definitely finished with the points by the end of the night.

“I think everybody knows what happened last year (in the first-round playoff loss to Memphis), and everybody is very motivated this year. ”

– Parker

D. Clarke Evans/NBAE/Getty Images

With the win, the Spurs get over their six time playoff series funk when it came to winning Game Ones. The Spurs were dominant from the very beginning as the Jazz held their last lead during the first quarter, never to lead again for the rest of the match.